CALGARY -- Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe was hoping to pull off a perfect trifecta in signing his three upcoming unrestricted free agents, but that isn't going to happen - at least not right now.

While Lowe and agent Pat Morris worked out the four-year-deal for Ethan Moreau that was announced yesterday and have been discussing a new pact for Steve Staios, talks between Lowe and agent Don Meehan over a new contract for Ryan Smyth concluded three days ago and likely won't resume until the season is over.

Indications are talks between Lowe and Meehan were concluded at the request of the Oilers without any significant framework for a new contract in place. Smyth, 30, is earning $3.5 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent, able to shop his services elsewhere after July 1.